Google Earthâs stunning new feature is a timelapse of the entire frigginâ planet Watch the planet change from 1984 to 2020 Napier Lopez is a writer based in New York City. He's interested in all things tech, science, and photography related, and likes to yo-yo in (show all) Napier Lopez is a writer based in New York City. He's interested in all things tech, science, and photography related, and likes to yo-yo in his free time. Follow him on Twitter. Google has worked to refine the accuracy, visuals, and functionality of Google Earth over the years, making it the closest many of us will ever get to travel the world. But today Google Earth is getting its biggest update in years with the addition of one new layer: time.